Phyllis
BURTON

writer and author

"...intrigue, evil, romance and suspense and together these add up to a novel that is hard to put down..."

REVIEWS

"SPELLBINDING"
*****
-Amazon Review

Phyllis J. Burton’s When the Ice Melts focuses on the traumatized heart
of a woman. The narrative is told in a two-part format. The first part is
a steady climb to the plateau of the story, and during this segment the
author creates the romance and introduces and builds the characters. It
is in the second part that the action and suspense are developed. The analogy of ice shapes the theme of the story. Ice is cold and seemingly impenetrable until warmth is added. Then the ice gradually melts. This is true to the character of the heroine; she is hard, cold as ice in the beginning, but through the warmth of love and companionship she becomes vulnerable, her heart softens, and ultimately melts. The characterization of the novel is its nucleus. The narrative’s heroine is both equally strong in spirit and fragile in heart and soul. She is bright, intelligent and easy to relate to in thought and manner. Burton portrays her heroine as both a victim and a victor.
As a reader, you become engaged in her traumatic situation; you sense the stress, fear and horror, as well as the weakening spirit and fight for survival. The heroine’s sidekick is handsome, virile, accomplished, and patient, displaying meekness - strength under control. He gives balance to the heroine’s evolving character by blanketing her soul. The villain is malicious and cunning, his evil intent is deep and dark. The supporting cast of characters is the nuts and bolts of the narrative; they keep the main characters connected, each one playing a significant role in the story.
Lastly, Burton portrays the reality of severe trauma; what happens to the body, soul and spirit is at times beyond words. The nightmares, the pain, the memory loss, the brain’s fight to make sense of the senseless are all reflected in a poignant and genuine manner. In the end, Burton leaves the reader thankful for the power of enduring love.
"My Dear Phyllis I have just put your new book down . Phyllis it was fantastic I could not put it down, I was reading it into the early hours, and so sad when I finished it. Congratulations on being the Author of a most beautiful book. I certainly would nominate it for being made into a film it's beautiful and I am so proud to be a long standing friend of the person who put those special words on to paper." - Jo xxx
Reviewed by Trudi LoPetro for Readers' Ravourite
We are in the 1950s when Paper Dreams begins, learning of a very special love that cannot be. The plot quickly then turns to 2009 where we join Katie as her fiance has just broken up with her, and we immediately share in her heartache. Katie works in a bookstore and is assigned the arduous task of cataloging books for a reclusive woman who has just died. Katie goes to the very large and ominous mansion and, while searching through the books, finds some interesting letters describing the 1950s romance between the married master of the mansion, Gerald Hapsworth-Cole, and a young pregnant girl, Amy Butler, who had no choice but to return to her home in Vancouver and leave England and her lover behind. They vow to keep in touch but that does not happen due to unforeseen circumstances. Gerald never gets to meet his son, James, and Amy spends the rest of her life pining
for her lost love. The search is now on for a living relative to inherit Epton Hall and when James, and a cousin (Harold) are found, the fireworks begin. Both Katie and Stuart find themselves in danger
several times. To tell you more would ruin the mystery and excitement of the story.
Paper Dreams certainly lives up to its description as a romantic thriller. Phyllis J. Burton has created a story that was impossible to stop reading. It is indeed, as the description states, “an emotional roller coaster.” I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Dreams and each of the characters. Paper Dreams has it all; romance, mystery, excitement, danger and tragedy. I cannot say enough about the writing of Phyllis J. Burton; she has quickly become my new favorite author. This is a must-read book that will not disappoint.
"Any book that keeps me reading as though I were a young teen again uncaring of responsibilities or things I need to do, without letting the clock’s racing motion spoil my fun is worth the mention … and the 5 stars of course.
I discovered the book quite by accident. Naturally, we no longer spend hours perusing books on dusty library shelves. We hunt them down through the Internet. Where I came upon Paper Dreams, I can’t even tell you. The title attracted me as did the beautiful cover, but then all I had to do was read the first few pages and I was hooked. Phyllis J. Burton uses the omniscient point of view to tell her story and does a superb job of setting the scenes and describing her characters. She is a master at crafting intrigue that tugs you along mercilessly.
I followed Katie Nicholson effortlessly, feeling for her, worrying about her and looking to encourage her along the way. When she loses who she believes is the love of her life, you want to tell her a better one will come around and her friends fill that wish: her employer Brian, her landlady Brenda, and her cousin Helen who introduces her to new possibilities. The intrigue with Epton Hall unfolds quickly and the deeper you get pulled into the old mansion and its secrets, the more you shiver and want to read what comes next. Love Phyllis J Burton’s voice. Gentle, persuasive, almost hypnotic her cadence and tone is pleasing and very convincing. I will definitely read other books by this author."
Reviewed by Natasha Jackson for Readers' Favorite
Phyllis J. Burton’s A Passing Storm is the intriguing story of Jennifer and Peter, a couple married for more than two decades when things start to change. In their twenty-fourth year together, Peter suddenly becomes obsessed with his career goals and all the trappings that go along with being made Chief Executive of an international company. Unable to face the failings in her marriage, Jennifer seeks refuge in Scotland, where she meets a handsome stranger called Angus. He is warm and caring where Peter is cold and indifferent. Jennifer is torn between going after her own happiness and doing what is deemed “right” by society. Instead of running head first back to Scotland and into Angus's arms, she stays and puts up with her husband’s infidelity and indifference.
A Passing Storm is written in two parts so we get to know both Angus and Jennifer better and understand the different paths their lives took during their time apart. It was a stroke of genius on Phyllis Burton’s part to tell the story in this manner as it allows the reader to simply get absorbed in one tale, then the other. Every word is written for meaning rather than effect, which made A Passing Storm all the more real. While it seems that Angus grew as a character, I am sad to say that Jennifer did not. She never did take responsibility for her own happiness, and while her choice of partner changed the outcome, I would have loved to see Jennifer become a bit more independent and
proactive. Although I did find it difficult to connect with Jennifer, I felt great sympathy for her life and inability to do anything about it and I longed for Angus from his first whispered words.
Phyllis Burton did a fantastic job and her perfectly measured words were soothing, heartfelt, and poetic.
By G. McCullough
I love this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. If you're looking for a label, I would call it 'drama.' We start with a short snapshot of the past, when Amy returns to Canada leaving Gerald
desolate. Then, present day - we meet the very easy to relate to heroine, Katie, and get to know her and her problems, before plunging into the excitement of her search through the books in the attic of Epton Hall, and her discovery of the affair between Amy and Gerald - and its result in the birth of James. Katie's experience of being locked in the attic of Epton Hall without food, water, heat or light, and her eventual rescue, is gripping in the extreme. I won't give away any more of the plot, only
say that the men in Katie's life, from the despicable Simon to the sexy yet trustworthy Stuart, come across realistically and with enormous interest. Buy this book if you want a happy, romantic and thrilling read which will hook you from the first few pages!
Review from Jeanette Gallant:
"In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A PASSING STORM’ she has created a fascinating story of a woman’s journey after she decides to leave her husband of many years.
Elegant and fine, this novel brings to life the poetic landscape of the Scottish Highlands, and like a well- crafted symphony, builds a story layered with rich characters, surprise twists and a tangled web of relationships until an unlikely hero brings this piece to a gentle and satisfying close. A truly wonderful read. In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A PASSING STORM’ she has created a fascinating story of a woman’s journey after she decides to leave her husband of many years. "
"In Phyllis Burton’s book ‘A PASSING STORM’ she has created a fascinating story of a woman’s journey after she decides to leave her husband of many years. Elegant and fine, this novel brings to life the poetic landscape of the Scottish Highlands, and like a well- crafted symphony, builds a story layered with rich characters, surprise twists and a tangled web of relationships until an unlikely hero brings this piece to a gentle and satisfying close. A truly wonderful read."
REVIEWS OF 'PAPER DREAMS'
Mrs. F. H. Mortimer 'Faith Mortimer' reviewed PAPER DREAMS: *****ADVENTURE, ADVERSITY, THRILLS - a complete recipe for an excellent read - 27th March 2012:
"Paper Dreams conjures up many thoughts and ideas. Ms.Burton has taken all the ingredients for a super adventure set back in the 50s. She knows how to set a scene that will easily enthrall the reader and her prose is excellent. I found very few grammar mistakes making this an easy and EXCEPTIONAL read. The author certainly knows how to hook her reader, by playing on their
emotions and covers almost everything one would expect to find in a good family drama - romance, greed, murder,obsessive love, to name but a few things.
BRAVO! I wait to see what else this fine writer has to offer."
**** A thrilling yet comforting tale, 6 Feb 2012
By Book lover "Elsee" (Malvern, UK
'Paper Dreams is an interesting story about a girl who has to sort out a collection of books in a creepy, neglected old house. The erstwhile occupant of the house had a mysterious history and Katie becomes intrigued, especially when she finds a long forgotten letter in one of the books which leads her into some terrifying experiences. An exciting story and one that ends happily. We always need a 'feel good' story especially nowadays!'
"A letter from the past reveals a secret that sets in motion a story of love, deception and intrigue. A family feud adds to the suspense as the mystery deepens. A beautifully written book that is hard to put down".
- Lyn Collins

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story. ( 5*****)

By Marilyn Horobin on 15 November 2016 (Amazon Review)

“Phyllis Burton's book "When the Ice Melts" is a compelling, romantic and thought provoking drama. Its two part structure and chapters of varying length make it easy to pick up, put down and resume in a busy world. Sarah is a recently widowed solicitor experiencing self-doubt, grief and an unwillingness to look positively at any new romantic relationship. Her legal colleagues and kind friends are extremely sensitive and supportive. She is however, quite antagonistic towards her new male solicitor colleague John and her days at work are tense and testing. Where, if anywhere, will this cold relationship go?
A short holiday in Greece leads Sarah into a potentially dangerous relationship with a local man but once back home her relationship with John slowly softens and strengthens. It will spoil a good story to say too much more but when Sarah suddenly disappears John is able to help the police trace her. After a great deal of trauma the remaining ice in Sarah's heart finally melts once she and John are together again.”